By Stella Odueme
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured retired personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria of sustained welfare initiatives to improve their living conditions after service.
Oluyede also called on veterans to contribute more actively to the country’s security architecture by supporting peace and security efforts in their respective communities.
He gave the assurance on Friday, October 23, 2026, during an interactive session with veterans from the Southwest region at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the engagement was part of the CDS’s ongoing nationwide interaction with military veterans.
According to the statement, Oluyede commended the veterans for their sacrifices and contributions towards maintaining Nigeria’s unity and peace, assuring them that their service to the nation would not be forgotten.
He said the Federal Government remained committed to improving veterans’ welfare, citing the recent salary increment for serving military personnel and the consequential adjustment of veterans’ pensions as evidence of its appreciation for their service.
The CDS added that issues arising from the pension adjustments were being addressed.
He also disclosed plans by the Defence Headquarters to dedicate at least one hospital in each geopolitical zone to cater specifically for veterans’ medical needs, alongside existing healthcare arrangements.
The statement noted that data collation was ongoing and the necessary processes were at advanced stages towards implementing the initiative.
Oluyede further revealed that efforts were underway to establish a low-interest loan scheme to enable retired military personnel to establish businesses and engage in productive ventures after leaving service.
He also highlighted the Defence Headquarters Online Shop, launched in collaboration with Konga, explaining that plans were underway to bring more major businesses into the scheme to provide discounted goods and services to serving personnel and veterans.
The CDS urged the veterans to remain committed to promoting peace and security in their communities and to continue praying for serving personnel carrying out military operations across the country.
During the interactive session, the veterans raised concerns and sought clarification on issues affecting their welfare, entitlements and administrative matters, which were addressed by the CDS and other senior military officials.
Those who provided additional clarifications included the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim; the Commandant of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Air Vice Marshal NI Iloh; and the Chairman of the Military Pensions Board, Major General JE Osifoh.
In his remarks, the President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association (RANAO), Major General HA Salihu (rtd), thanked the CDS for the engagement and urged veterans to embrace dialogue in resolving issues of concern.
Similarly, Major General AG Adewuyi (rtd), who delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the veterans, commended the CDS for his continued attention to veterans’ welfare and his commitment to regular engagements with retired personnel.
Adewuyi also appreciated the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Auwalu Mamuda, for the hospitality extended to the veterans.